Author
Veterinary Consultant
Are you planning on traveling to Singapore with your pet?
Are you planning a vacation with your pet? Would you like to explore the Clarke Quay Riverside or Universal Studios? Here are the specific requirements for the proper importation of animals into Singapore so that you can enjoy your trip without any complications!
Cats and most dog breeds are permitted to be carried as baggage, however, some breeds, including:
- Akita;
- Tosa;
- Fila Brasileiro;
- Argentine Dogo;
- Canarian Mastiff;
- Pit bull;
- Boerboel;
- Bulldog
Serving animals are permitted to be in the passenger cabin with their owners while traveling to Singapore. At the same time, the minimum age requirement for imports is 3 months, which means that younger animals are not allowed for transportation into the country.
Getting Ready
In order to import an animal into Singapore, the following steps must be taken:
- Obtain a license to import a dog or cat by submitting an application on the official website of Animal&VeterinaryServices at least 7-10 days before departure. (The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and its registration typically takes up to 2 working days);
- Issue a veterinary passport;
- Microchip your pet;
- Vaccinate the pet against rabies;
- Obtain a certificate confirming the effectiveness of the rabies vaccination;
- Get a Veterinary Certificate Form 1.
Note that a serology test to determine rabies antibody titer must be conducted at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, but at least 90 days prior to entering Singapore.
Veterinary Passport. The Veterinary Passport is an official document issued by a licensed veterinary clinic that includes crucial information on your pet, such as breed, color, and vaccination records etc. Only licensed veterinary clinics can issue this passport and provide the necessary Veterinary Certificate Form 1, which must be exchanged for an International Veterinary Certificate Form 5a at the point of departure.
Microchip. Installing a microchip in your pet prior to entry into Singapore is mandatory. This Radio Frequency Identification chip, which is based on FDX-B and HDX technologies, complies with the ISO 11784 standard and must be read by ISO 11785 standard devices. However, if you possess an older chip that does not meet these requirements, you must have the appropriate equipment with you.
Vaccination. Rabies vaccination is permitted only after an animal reaches 12 weeks old and has had the microchip implantation procedure. However, the effectiveness of the vaccination only begins to take effect after 21 days. It is essential to have this information noted in the animal's passport.
Rabies antibody titer test. Rabies antibody titer analysis is mandatory prior to the importation of animals into Singapore. This test is done at least 1 month after the rabies vaccination and determines the concentration of antibodies in the blood, with a minimum value of 0.5 IU/ml considered acceptable. Only qualified laboratories, such as «NoviStem» LLC, have the authority to conduct this analysis.
Customs and flight
Before your departure, contact the border control veterinary point at the airport to exchange Veterinary Certificate Form 1 for an International Veterinary Certificate Form 5a. With this in hand, you can proceed to the baggage check-in station and hand over your pet for transport, but you must purchase an appropriate kennel in advance that meets the IATA Pet Transportation Rules.Additionally, you must fill out the Release & Indemnity form, present the original copies of your veterinary documents, and pay the associated fees.
Animals arriving in Singapore via Changi International Airport must go through a quarantine process and pass a veterinary check. This process is done at a designated animal quarantine zone, and you must make a reservation in advance using the official Animal and Veterinary Services website to proceed with the check.
FAQ
What are the general requirements and specifications for an appropriate kennel for transporting animals?
For the transportation of animals, the kennel should meet certain requirements, such as the dimensions and ventilation. These specifications may vary depending on the airline and the type of aircraft used, but in general, the kennel should be large enough for the animal to turn around while standing upright and have adequate ventilation, with air coming in from three sides. (The exact dimensions of the kennel depend on the airline and aircraft restrictions, so it is best to check the carrier's website for specific regulations)
What special specifications must be followed when transporting a service dog by air?
As per Singaporean regulation, service dogs are permitted to be transported in the cabin of the airplane when they have supporting documents from a medical institution that approves of their need for travel. The weight and size of the animal will be considered when determining the passenger's baggage allowances, and any additional fees may apply if these allowances are exceeded.
Useful tips
To properly prepare for an upcoming trip with an animal, it is important to review the current regulations and required documents at least 2 months before the planned travel date. These regulations are subject to change due to the pandemic situation, so it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest information available on the Animal & Veterinary Service website.
